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Alice Walton

LA Mayoral candidates Controller Wendy Greuel and City Councilman Eric Garcetti each expect to clear the $4 million mark in campaign fundraising, based on their most recent financial reports. Wendy Greuel Campaign/Eric Garcetti campaign

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Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti pulled ahead in the money race for mayor Thursday, raising more than $727,000 over a three-month period.

This latest haul brings Garcetti’s total campaign war chest to $3.6 million. With the matching funds he is entitled to receive, he has amassed $4.2 million for the contest.

“Eric has built a strong campaign with an agenda to solve problems for L.A. residents," said Bill Carrick, a Garcetti campaign consultant. "This will be one of the most expensive races in L.A. history, so we must keep raising money and getting out the vote every day until Election Day – and we will”

Controller Wendy Greuel raised close to that amount, with a total of $3.4 million. With matching funds, Greuel has also crossed the $4 million threshold. During the previous reporting period that ended Sept. 31, Garcetti and Greuel each had $2.8 million.

Garcetti and Greuel are on track to break the fundraising record for an L.A. mayoral primary, set by Antonio Villaraigosa and Jim Hahn in 2001.

“I will be a mayor for all of L.A. so no part of the city is left behind," said Greuel, "and today’s fundraising report is an emphatic signal that Angelenos are ready for a leader with the experience to get the city working again."

Jan Perry raised about $100,000 in the last quarter. That brings her total to $2 million with matching funds.

Attorney Kevin James reported $316,000. He may also benefit from an independent political action committee that's been set up to support him — the Better Way LA PAC. The group, led by Republican strategist Fred Davis, has raised $200,000 from Harold Simmons of Texas and Henry Crown & Company of Chicago.

The primary is set for March 5. The two winners will face off on May 21.

Previously in Represent!

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